numbers 18
Summary
Outlines the responsibilities of the priests and Levites in serving at the Tabernacle, the consequences of unauthorized persons approaching the sacred duties, and the provisions for the priests and Levites, including tithes and offerings.
Key Points
Priestly Duties and Responsibilities: Aaron and his sons are given the responsibility of the priesthood, and they are to bear the iniquity related to the sanctuary and the priesthood (Numbers 18:1-7).
Levites' Role: The Levites are assigned to assist the priests but are not to come near the vessels of the sanctuary or the altar to avoid death (Numbers 18:2-3).
Provisions for Priests: The priests are given specific portions of the offerings, including the most holy offerings, wave offerings, and firstfruits, as their inheritance (Numbers 18:8-19).
No Inheritance in the Land: The priests and Levites are not to have any inheritance in the land of Israel; the Lord is their inheritance (Numbers 18:20-24).
Tithes for the Levites: The Levites are to receive the tithes from the Israelites as their inheritance in return for their service at the Tabernacle (Numbers 18:21-24).
Levites' Tithe: The Levites are required to offer a tithe of the tithes they receive to the Lord, which is given to Aaron and his sons (Numbers 18:25-32).
New Covenant Reflections
Outlines the duties and privileges of the priests and Levites, emphasising their role in serving God and the community.
Priesthood and Mediation: The chapter highlights the special role of the priests and Levites as mediators between God and the people. This foreshadows the New Covenant, where Jesus is the ultimate High Priest and mediator between God and humanity (Numbers 18:1-7)1.
Provision and Sustenance: God provides for the priests and Levites through the offerings and tithes of the Israelites. This reflects the New Covenant's promise of God's provision for His people, emphasising that those who serve God will be cared for (Numbers 18:8-20)2.
Covenant of Salt: The "covenant of salt" mentioned in this chapter symbolises a perpetual and unbreakable agreement. This mirrors the New Covenant's eternal nature, established through Jesus' sacrifice, which is everlasting and unbreakable (Numbers 18:19)1.
Holiness and Responsibility: The chapter underscores the holiness required of the priests and Levites and their responsibility to bear the iniquity of the sanctuary. This parallels the New Covenant's call for believers to live holy lives and the responsibility of spiritual leaders to guide and intercede for their communities (Numbers 18:1, 5)2.
Inheritance and Reward: Unlike other tribes, the Levites' inheritance is not land but the Lord Himself and the offerings given by the people. This reflects the New Covenant's promise that believers' ultimate inheritance is spiritual and eternal, found in their relationship with God (Numbers 18:20-24)2.
These connections highlight how Numbers 18 foreshadows the principles and promises of the New Covenant, emphasising mediation, provision, eternal covenant, holiness, and spiritual inheritance.